Woman raped, had car stolen at housing near Coastal Carolina University, police say
A 19-year-old woman was raped and had her car stolen at an apartment complex marketed toward Coastal Carolina University students, according to police reports.
The attack reportedly happened late at night over Halloween weekend at The Cove at Coastal Carolina, a privately-owned apartment complex across the street from Coastal Carolina’s campus.
Conway police were called to a report of a rape at The Cove about 4:15 a.m. Sunday, according to an incident report from the Conway Police Department.
A woman told police she was sexually assaulted and the suspects fled in her car. She was taken to Conway Medical Center in an ambulance after suffering both visible and non-visible injuries, according to police records.
The police report states that a weapon was involved in the rape and carjacking, but did not specify what type of weapon.
When asked about the kind of weapon used in the attack, Conway Police Department spokesperson June Wood said police did not know.
“We are still gathering information and that is currently an investigative lead,” Wood wrote in an email response to questions from The Sun News.
The Cove, which is located near campus on University Boulevard and S.C. Highway 544, mentions Coastal Carolina University several times on its website and has a page of information for parents of Coastal Carolina students.
Director of Communication for Coastal Carolina University Jerry Rashid said he could not determine whether the victim was a student as her name was redacted from the police report.
When asked why the university is mentioned on the website of the apartment complex, Rashid reiterated that The Cove is privately-owned and not a part of university housing.
The Cove provided a statement to The Sun News when reached for comment. “It’s an active investigation and we are working with authorities. Other than that we have no comment.”
‘Armed and extremely dangerous’
A Facebook post made by the Conway Police Department on Sunday night asked for the public’s help in searching for the stolen car.
Conway police described the car as a gray 2015 Subaru Legacy bearing Massachusetts plate 983DX4.
The car had not been found as of Tuesday afternoon, Wood said. Anyone who sees the car should call the police.
“The occupants of this vehicle are to be considered armed and extremely dangerous,” the Facebook post states.
Police have not identified any suspects, Wood said.
Email sent to Coastal Carolina University staff, students
Coastal Carolina University administration addressed the attack in an email sent to staff and students Sunday afternoon. The Sun News obtained a screenshot of the email.
“The CCU Department of Public Safety and the Conway Police Department are investigating an assault, as well as, [sic] several vehicle break-ins and thefts which have occurred over the past several days near campus.
“We ask all members of the Coastal Carolina University community to please be aware of your surroundings at all times.”
The email goes on to urge students to keep their car and residence doors locked at all times. University officials asked students and staff to report “any and all suspicious activity” to university authorities at 843-349-2911 or to call 911 for the Conway Police Department.
When asked whether the other car break-ins mentioned in the email were thought to be related to Sunday’s attack, Wood implied there was no second investigation. “We are currently investigating this one incident,” she wrote in an email.
Students who feel unsafe on campus can request to have an officer with the university’s public safety department walk with them to their car or between campus buildings by calling 843-349-2177, Rashid wrote in an email.
This story was originally published November 3, 2021 at 1:05 PM.
